RE: AUTORAID and VA7100 disk arrays for rp7400

We are using the VA7100's and VA7400's. They are several orders of magnitude faster than the old 12H AutoRAID arrays if configured properly. I'm no expert, but I know the VA7X00's combine some caching technology with faster IO channels.

Scott Shafer
San Antonio, TX
210.581.6217

> -----Original Message-----
> From: david hill [SMTP:david.hill_at_lechateau.ca]
> Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2003 4:56 PM
> To: Multiple recipients of list ORACLE-L
> Subject: RE: AUTORAID and VA7100 disk arrays for rp7400
>
> Yep I have same thing to say
> We have a HP N class with 3 HP AutoRaid's
> I recently did a test to import our 50 gig database
> On the HP it took 4 hours to do a Full export of DB and 12+ hours to
> import
> I then proceeded to import the exact same dump file on a little Linux Xeon
> test box with IDE HD's just 2 120 Gig mirrored yes that right IDE.
>
> And to import the full DB took 4 Hours!!!
> Those IDE HD's cost $300 each
> And those AutoRaids are costing us $1000 a month in support alone.
> So we will soon changing out IO subsystem that cost's a lot less, has
> more storage, and better performance.
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vergara, Michael (TEM) [ <mailto:mvergara_at_guidant.com>]
> Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2003 4:40 PM
> To: Multiple recipients of list ORACLE-L
> Subject: RE: AUTORAID and VA7100 disk arrays for rp7400
>
> I'm not sure what a VA7100 is, so I don't want to tell you
> to avoid it. The AutoRaid I used just said "AutoRaid" on the
> front. It had 12 disks...I think they were 9G or 18G each.
> It had only 96M of cache, not expandable. Only 2 SCSI
> channels - not expandable.
>
> What happened was that our whole database was on this array.
> Yes, even on-line and archived redo logs. The array did so
> much internal thrashing that the disk response times were
> abysmal.
>
> <RANT>
> The boss got it cause he didn't want to pay the extra $$$
> for a 'real' array from EMC, Hitachi, or IBM. It had the
> magic word 'Raid' in the name so he went for it, and then
> was all over me because the system was so slow. I should'a
> known what was up when a JBOD D-370 2-way did stuff faster
> than our K570 6-way and the AutoRaid.
> </RANT>
>
> Take my advice - don't go with an AutoRaid.
>
> Cheers,
> Mike
>
> -----Original Message-----
> Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2003 12:45 PM
> To: Multiple recipients of list ORACLE-L
>
>
> Michael,
>
> a dumb question. does this stops me from using VA7100 with 0+1 or are u
> talking about going some other disk array product?
>
> Thanks
> Mandar
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Vergara, Michael (TEM) [ <mailto:mvergara_at_guidant.com>]
> > Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2003 12:00 PM
> > To: Multiple recipients of list ORACLE-L
> > Subject: RE: AUTORAID and VA7100 disk arrays for rp7400
> >
> >
> > Apologies to all for shouting, but ...
> >
> > DO NOT USE AUTORAID!
> > ** *** *** *********
> >
> > I used an AutoRaid system when I was at Petco. Performance was
> > el-sucko. There was more I/Os happening in the disk array
> > (by observing the disk lights) than was being caused by the
> > application and database.
> >
> > Plus, when the AR system Raid 0+1/5 mode, where some blocks are
> > kept in a RAID 0+1 area and some are kept in a RAID 5 area, the
> > array got so busy swapping one for another that it was virtually
> > useless.
> >
> > Fiber channel (FC-10) works ok, Clariion (by EMC) works Ok,
> > heck, even JBOD works better than AutoRaid.
> >
> > Just my 2¢ worth.
> >
> > Cheers,
> > Mike
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2003 11:35 AM
> > To: Multiple recipients of list ORACLE-L
> >
> >
> > Hi,
> >
> > i am in the process of defining the specs for a rp7400. a lil
> > overwhelmed by the storage offerings from HP.
> > i wanted to know if any of ull hv any inputs regarding a disk array.
> > we currently hv a Model 30/FC disk array with 9gig drives.
> > I am looking for a similar or the next higher configuration
> > disk array from HP.
> >
> > Any inputs regarding VA7100 disk array or corresponding
> > competetive disk aray from HP/competitor?
> >
> > cache size 256/512/1024 MB? dont know which to go.
> > thinking of going for 18GB 15k rpm rather than 36GB 15K rpm.
> > faster smaller drives.
> >
> > the va7100 product specs on HP site mention more about
> > AutoRAID (which is dynamic 0+1 or 5 configuration on the fly).
> > any inputs on AutoRAID for Oracle database files.
> > hv ull used 0+1 h/w configuration on VA7100? am i talking sense?
> >
> > a good article to read, especially page 4
> > <http://www.hp.com/products1/storage/products/disk_arrays/infol>
> ibrary/hp_va_and_san_virtualization.pdf
>
>
> any inputs related to configuring a rp7400 are invited. my initial specs
> based on my current k570 is below.
>
> current k570 (7.3.4)
> 4 * 200Mhz
> 2 gn ram
>
> specs for rp7400 (8i/9i)
> 4 * 550MHz
> 6 Gb ram
>
> and i thought it was easy.
> take a few procs
> add ram
> add few disks,
> (Baaam!) make sound and license
> and u hv a server.
>
> but look into a detailed partlist and configuration options at
> <https://www.e-solutions.hp.com/shop/cgi-bin/sweetspot.cgi>
>
>
> Thanks
> Mandar
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> Author: Vergara, Michael (TEM)
> INET: mvergara_at_guidant.com
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  INET: Scott.Shafer_at_dcpds.cpms.osd.mil

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